Soundex Demystified


      If the family you are researching was counted in either the 
      1880, 1900, 1910, or 1920 census, a Soundex Search would be
      a good place to start to look for them. During the 1930s, a 
      card index to the heads of families (for those census years)
      was generated and similar sounding family surnames were
      grouped together by what was called a "Soundex Code."

      The list was then alphabetized by the first name (given name)
      of the head-of-household and these cards were later microfilmed.
      This resulted in what researchers refer to today as the "Soundex."
      A soundex search is just a search conducted on these rolls of
      microfilm. Once a family has been found on the soundex microfilm,
      locating them on the census roll should be a simple matter. It
      should be noted that soundex microfilm rolls exist for many, but
      not all states and years. They are also on 16 millimeter film;
      whereas the census microfilms are on 35.

      When searching for a family it is essential to know the E.D.
      (enumeration district) number and county where the family
      resided. Without this information, finding the correct census
      microfilm roll is still possible, but you will find that in
      some cases you will need to search many rolls in order to
      cover an entire county or state. One way to reduce the amount
      of time it will take to locate the family is by learning the
      E.D. number and county of residence through a "Soundex Search."

      Soundex Searches can only be done for the census years 1880,
      and 1900-1920. For 1910 only 21 states have Soundex microfilms.
      They include: AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, IL, KS, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO,
      SC, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, VA, and WV. The 1880 Soundex picks
      up only families with a child in the household under the age
      of 11.


      Soundex Search Form

      We offer one word of caution, conducting and referencing
      a soundex search back to the original record can be a
      frustrating experience for the novice. If this is your first
      time, we recommend that you allow us to do the search for you.
      What you'll find out is who was residing within the household,
      the names of the dependents, the census page number, town,
      county and ED number where the family was located. With this
      information we can then provide a photocopy of the original
      census page.

      If you would like for us to conduct a Soundex Search for you,
      print our Soundex Search Form and provide as much
      information for the family as you can. At a minimum, it is
      necessary to know the given name of a family member (ex. Elias,
      Robert, Ann, etc.) a brother, sister or mother's given name
      and the family's surname. The more information you provide the
      likelier it is the results will be positive.


      Code Searches

      If the Head-of-Household's full name is unknown, a search
      can still be done if enough information is provided for the
      dependents. For example:
    
      You know the family's name was Cobain and that the child you
      are looking for is John Wesly Cobain, approximate age 12 with
      two other known siblings Robert and Anna, ages unknown but
      younger than John. Even with this minimal information, it is
      still possible to find the family you are seeking. Please call
      for an accurate quote before placing your order when you cannot
      provide the head of household's full name. This is known as a
      "Code Search."

      Don't forget, if you want to receive a photocopy or digital
      Heirloom Print of the original microfilmed census page, you
      must include the additional "print" fees.

      Our Heirloom Prints are amazingly beautiful and so clear you'll
      think we're sending you the original. Want to View a sample?
 
          
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